A Lurgan woman who started volunteering after the death of her husband nearly 40 years ago has finally retired at the age of 96.

Phyllis McIlduff had been a hospital worker when her husband Seamus died in 1990.

Having left her job, she suddenly found herself with time on her hands and uncertainty about her future at the relatively young age of 60.

After chatting with a nun on Lurgan street, Sr Mary, she was encouraged to join St Vincent de Paul as a volunteer.

Before long, she found herself helping out in the childcare centre, giving out juice and spending time with children.

This led to volunteering at the Vincent’s shop in Lurgan where she instantly loved the buzz of chatting to customers.

“It got me out of the house after my husband died, kept me busy and I just loved talking to people,” she said.

Another first came along in 2018, where Phyllis made her modelling debut for SVP in Cookstown at the Regional Fashion Show.

“I did what I could to help out. Whether that was in Vincent’s, in the childcare centre, modelling. I just wanted to help in any way that I could”, she said.

Recognised by the society as ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ SVP’s Regional President for the Northern Region – Mary Waide – praised Mrs McIlduff’s decades of service.

“We are indebted to her selflessness and the impact that she has made on the volunteers, staff and people of Lurgan,” she said.

“In this Volunteers’ Week we would express our thanks to Phyllis and wish her well on her retirement.”

Looking ahead to her retirement, Mrs McIlduff added: “I love meeting people in Vincent’s but after 36 years volunteering with St Vincent de Paul I think it’s time to retire.

“I’m slowing down so I know I just need to take it easier but I would say to anyone who might be thinking about volunteering to do it – you will really enjoy it.”

The largest voluntary charity on the island of Ireland, SVP works to promote self-sufficiency and working diligently for social justice.

Dedicated volunteers work across all communities to support individuals, regardless of their background, who are battling poverty and social exclusion.

Fundraising from donors in Northern Ireland is kept within the Northern Region, where SVP spent £5m last year to buy electricity food, gas, oil and household goods.

For information about getting help from SVP, or for those who wish to become a member, visit www.svp.ie